How to make microwave jams

These days, growing your own produce and berries is more popular than ever because it saves money and results in healthier food for the family. Another popular trend is canning fresh picked summer fruits to nosh on them all through fall and winter, too. However, if you don’t like to can or fuss with putting up preserves, berries and other juicy in-season fruit can become a quick jammy treat in your microwave! Keep reading to learn how to make luscious microwave jams.

Homemade jams are easy in the microwave

The secret to making jam in your microwave is to use the right amount of sugar and lemon juice, and to carefully prepare your berries. If you’re using stone fruit, like peaches, follow the same directions but peel, remove the pits, slice and then crush the fruit.

Microwave jams are also fun for the kids – just don’t let them near the fruit when its hot out of the microwave. Microwave jams also freeze very nicely, so if you make a big batch, freeze some, or give a jar or two away to your neighbors as a tasty and thoughtful gift.

Microwave Berry Jam

Makes 2 cups

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, boysenberries, blueberries, blackberries, or any combination of your favorite berries)
• 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon butter or margarine

Directions:

1. Wash the berries and remove any stems or hulls. Crush the berries in a bowl. Measure 1 cup crushed berries into a 3-quart microwave safe bowl or dish. Stir in half the sugar, lemon juice and butter or margarine. Cook uncovered in the microwave for 8 minutes. Stir every 2 minutes.
2. Do another batch using the remaining ingredients and again microwave for 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Combine and you’ll have about 2 cups of berry jam. You can refrigerate in a covered container or pour into prepared canning jars.

Easy Microwave Jam

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces fruit (if using frozen fruit, allow to thaw)
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 3 teaspoons powdered fruit pectin

Directions:

1. Place fruit in a 2-quart microwave safe bowl and mash well. Do not drain the juice. Stir in sugar and pectin and mix thoroughly. Cook on high for 4 minutes or until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
2. Reduce to medium power and cook 5 minutes. Skim off foam. If you like thicker jam, add 1 more teaspoon pectin. Store in the refrigerator in a covered container, or place in prepared canning jars.

Microwave Peach Butter

Don’t know what to do with all you’re summer peaches? Try this recipe! You can also use canned or defrosted frozen fruit as an alternative.

Ingredients:

• 32 peach halves, pitted
• 3 tablespoons powdered fruit pectin
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2-1/4 cups sugar

Directions:

1. In a food processor, puree peaches. In a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl combine pureed peaches, pectin and spices. Mix well. Microwave on high for 6 minutes or until mixture is very hot, stirring every 2 minutes.
2. Add sugar, blend well, microwave on high 5 to 6 minutes until mixture comes to a rolling boil, stirring once during cooking. Microwave an additional 1 minute.
3. Allow to cool. Store in refrigerator in a covered container, or place into prepared canning jars.

Spicy Fig and Orange Microwave Jam

If you want something unusual from the microwave, try this spicy recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups diced fresh figs (6-10 figs, depending on the size of the figs)
• 1/2 cup seeded, peeled orange, diced
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons grated orange peel
• 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon butter

Directions:

1. Place ingredients in a large microwave-safe container, stir to combine, let stand for 30 minutes. Microwave fruit mixture on high for about 6 minutes or until boiling. As soon as the mixture starts to boil, stop cooking and stir.
2. Continue cooking, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes. At about 13 minutes, the mixture should start to get thick. Continue to cook it a couple of minutes more, if it is runny. Pour into prepared jars and refrigerate after the jam cools.

Try your microwave jams in these yummy recipes

Rasberry and White Chocolate Mousse
Triple Berry Trifle
Homemade Popovers